One of the most common misconceptions about DISC is that the behavioural styles are generalisations and by doing so you ‘categorise people’. DISC is not designed to pigeonhole yourself or others, but rather to provide insight into your behavioural profile. DISC describes your behavioural and communication preferences. Which behaviour makes you feel comfortable or uncomfortable, what are your qualities and development points. And also: how does this relate to others?
So don’t try to label someone with a colour either. We sometimes see the comment ‘You are red, yellow, green or blue‘. You are not a DISC colour; DISC is about describing your behavioural preferences.
Misconception about the red DISC style
Someone with a red behavioural style is bossy and authoritarian.
They are often confident and determined, this can sometimes come across differently from what they mean. But they can also be empathetic and collaborative when needed.
Misconception about the yellow DISC style
Someone with a high yellow behavioural style is superficial.
They tend to be social and get along with almost everyone, which can make it seem superficial to others. But they also definitely offer some depth.
Misconception about the green DISC style
Someone with a high green behavioural style is passive and docile.
They tend to be patient and reliable, but they can also be assertive when the situation requires them to be.
Misconception about the blue DISC style
Someone with a high blue behavioural style is rigid.
They value accuracy and organisation, but they can certainly be flexible and adapt to change when the environment or rules require them to do so.
Which behavioural style do you identify with?
In addition, it also almost never happens that one DISC behavioural style rises above the mid-line. Often 2 or even 3 colours are predominant in the DISC profile. That is why you can sometimes identify with multiple DISC styles. It can also happen that there are two opposite styles, both predominant. This can result in a ‘me-me conflict’.
